Family inspired by service for Boston Marathon victims

U.S. President Barack Obama meets marathon volunteers at Cathedral High School after attending a memorial service for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing in Boston, Mass., Thursday. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

BOSTON - Luis Yepez, whose 15-year-old son was injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, said he was heartened Thursday by the words of President Barack Obama at an interfaith service held for victims of the attack and their families.

"He has a wonderful gift to be able to touch the American heart with his oratory skills, and once again he did it here right when we needed it. It was beautiful," Yepez said.

Yepez, of Andover, Mass., said he thought the interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston's South End neighborhood was necessary for victims and their families to be together after experiencing such a tragedy. Leaders from several faith groups around the city spoke, as well as Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Gov. Deval Patrick.

"I think Mayor Menino's speech of loving Boston more than you've ever loved it before, the aspect of Gov. Patrick's words and our president speaking about that we will continue on, we will endure the race and we will run next year, I think it touched everyone's spirit," said Yepez.

Advertisement

Luis Yepez's son David, who attends St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, was near the finish line of the race when the bombs exploded. He said he was doing well at Thursday's service, but he was using crutches.

Obama's speech focused on Boston being a resilient city, that those responsible for the attack picked the wrong city and that it will pick itself up and get through the tragedy.

"That's what you've taught us Boston. That's what you've reminded us: to push on, to persevere, to not grow weary, to not get faint even when it hurts, even when our heart aches. We summon the strength that maybe we didn't know we had and we carry on. We finish the race. We finish the race," he said, to a loud applause.

Obama, along with Menino and Patrick, praised the first responders, volunteers and civilians at the scene who ran to the aid of the victims.

Obama said the attack at the finish line at the Boston Marathon was personal for the city of Boston and for millions of people around the country.

"I'm here to today on behalf of the American people with a simple message: every one of us has been touched by this attack on your beloved city. Every one of us stands with you because after all it's our beloved city, too. Boston may be your hometown, but we claim it, too," he said.

Obama spoke about the three victims who died in the attack. More than 170 people were injured when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon.

David Yepez suffered second-degree burns to his arm and face in the second explosion. His ear drums were also ruptured. He had surgery to remove a 1-by 3-inch piece of shrapnel from his leg, according to The Andover Townsman.

Luis Yepez told that newspaper his son's wounds would heal and he was more concerned about the other victims and families who lost a family member in the explosions.